I hear the groans. Declining math skills are growing and marketers know it. Finding savings isn’t limited to coupons, bulk buys, or sale ads. Use these math tips to save more, especially, towards this necessary for survival chore.
1. Compare and figure the following:
· Price per volume.
· Pretty packaging may cost more.
· Average costs per person in a big family.
· Time and money spent on impulse buys.
Challenge: Find and Figure out the most savings difference on twenty items. Once done, treat yourself on one item valued at less than half the average found. In the beginning, start small but build up towards automatic focusing.
2. Help in Large numbers
While in a crowded aisle, strike up a conversation to new friends and ask if anyone knows a better price on an item. Larger stores honor competitive prices. Continue to bring Ads even though some stores are storing lists internally at the check out stand. Remember; avoid the lures of all the pretty pictures piling up your list.
Make it a scavenger hunt. Point out an item to your kids or friends and ask them to find the littlest price. Understand, little kids may not understand advanced math or reading skills like price per volume, so point out the size of the package.
3. Finding the smallest number
We are so comfortable with our own eye level and in a hurry we don’t always look around. Supermarkets put impulse buy items at the ends and they aren’t always the cheapest. Walk a few more feet in the middle of the designated item aisle to find smaller prices. More bargain prices can also be found on the bottom of the shelves. Squat, not bend, to change your view or ask your little kids to look for you.
4. Divide
Divide your list in sections. It helps to minimize wandering back and forth for forgotten, add to the list distractions. Most supermarkets are mapped out with fresh perishables foods on the outer and processed foods in the middle. Non-food items have their own sections to avoid clashes of smell association triggers.
Most items are bagged in the following ways to avoid cross contamination. For big families, bring at least two recyclable bags per section. There are places that apply credit per bag. Consider also dividing the bill with carpooling for more than one family. Buying in Bulk can help reduce per item cost this way.
Sections:
· Dairy: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese
· Paper items: Toilet paper and Paper towels
· Cleaning supplies: Bathroom cleaners and Kitchen cleaners
· Frozen foods: TV Dinners, Meats, Frozen vegetables.
· Medicine and Hygiene supplies
· Fresh Produce
Re-consider luxury outing expenses. A $5 credit off a $20 total restaurant bill seems like a savings, but divide out the costs of what it will actual cost to get there or once in there: tip, taxes, dessert, gas, and dressing up.
5. Double check amounts
Shelves are jammed with items; new, older, and overstock. Some supermarkets will list the UPC numbers, the scanning numbers, on the price tag. Double check to see if the numbers match exactly how it appears on the bar code on the item. If not, look for further details. Double check the description, which can include size or weight.
Don’t go to the store hungry or tired. Both make you buy impulsively. Delicious items and aromas tempt your palette, wallet, and time.
It may take time and repetition to apply these mad math skills to habit, but it’s a priceless talent for the future. Don’t give up on the math. Stay focused on the problem solving rather than get distracted. Stay consistent, persistent and proud of your self applied calculated findings.
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